The Varieties of Spiritual Experience. Just another book? Spiritual experiences have occurred within people around the world and throughout history, up to and including the present day. Yup, but nowadays science tries to make sense of it. Read this one and see if science does a creditable job. In this case I, 41 (for one) certainly intend to put my money where my mouth is.
The founders of every major religion described them, philosophers since antiquity have pondered them, and according to recent polls, about 30% of people still report them. Let alone the people who don’t report them. A century ago, philosopher and psychologist William James famously analyzed accounts of these experiences and raised questions for future scientific study. What is triggering these events? If anything?How are the brain and body affected? How come that these brief moments have such lasting effects?
Varieties of Spiritual Experience
This volume invites readers into contemporary psychology and neuroscience laboratories around the world to learn about these elusive yet profound inner events. As it explores phenomena ranging from divine revelations to experiences we don’t understand anything about. Findings from modern science are illustrated with a diverse set of personal accounts from believers and non-believers alike, plunging readers into deeply personal and sometimes transformative moments. Written by two renowned scientists in the field, this book offers a comprehensive exploration of the psychology and neuroscience of a range of profoundly meaningful experiences.
Some reviews
“If you have the slightest curiosity about the spiritual dimensions of life and death, and if you value an approach that explores the outer reaches of mystical experience, yet never pretends to know what we don’t yet know, this is the book for you.” — Susan Cain, NY Times Bestselling Author of Quiet and Bittersweet
“In the scientific project of demystifying mysticism, Yaden and Newberg are the undisputed heirs to the legendary research of William James. The authors deftly plumb the caverns of neuroscience, psychology, pharmacology, philosophy, and religious studies to usher the nebulous world of spiritual experience into the spotlight of 21st-century academic discourse. An encyclopedic feat that transcends disciplinary boundaries, and sets the stage for a bold new era of inquiry.” — Brian C. Muraresku, Author of The Immortality Key: The Secret History of the Religion with No Name
“David Yaden and Andrew Newberg have produced a book that will bring you wonder, inspiration, and awe. It is for our 21st century what William James’s Varieties book was for the 20th century: a comprehensive, open minded, rigorous exploration of human spiritual life” — Dacher Keltner, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology UC Berkeley, Author of The Power Paradox
“In the scientific project of demystifying mysticism, Yaden and Newberg are the undisputed heirs to the legendary research of William James. The authors deftly plumb the caverns of neuroscience, psychology, pharmacology, philosophy, and religious studies to usher the nebulous world of spiritual experience into the spotlight of 21st-century academic discourse. An encyclopedic feat that transcends disciplinary boundaries, and sets the stage for a bold new era of inquiry.” — Brian C. Muraresku, Author of The Immortality Key: The Secret History of the Religion with No Name
“This scholarly update of William James’ seminal book, Varieties of Religious Experience, will be of great value to those interested in investigating the causes and enduring effects of sacred and secular spiritual experiences through a scientific lens.” — Roland R. Griffiths, Ph.D., The Oliver Lee McCabe, III Professor in the Neuropsychopharmacology of Consciousness, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
David B. Yaden, PhD is an Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. His research focus is on how brief inner experiences, or ‘altered states of consciousness,’ can have long-term positive impacts. He currently studies the subjective effects and treatment potential of psychedelics. His work has been featured in outlets such as The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, CNN, NPR, BBC, and The New York Times.
Andrew B. Newberg, MD is a Professor in the Department of Integrative Medicine and Nutritional Sciences and the Research Director at the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health at Thomas Jefferson University. He has published 12 books which have been translated into 17 different languages, including the best-selling books: How God Changes Your Brain and Why God Won’t Go Away. He has appeared on Good Morning America, Nightline, CNN, and others. His work has also been featured in outlets such as Newsweek, Time, National Geographic, Discover, and The New York Times.
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